Why an eSIM is Recommended for Madagascar
When to Check Your Home Plan
Madagascar is not in the European Union, so free roaming does not automatically apply. French plans rarely include Madagascar in their zone. Check your customer area before buying an eSIM.
When an eSIM is Recommended
- Extended stay: if your home plan doesn't cover Madagascar or has limited quotas
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, hotspot
- Budget plan: Free 2€, some MVNOs without Madagascar coverage
- Simplicity: no need to check conditions, immediate activation upon arrival
Network Coverage in Madagascar
Madagascar has 4G coverage in major cities, but limited in rural areas thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Orange Madagascar |
Major cities |
No |
Airalo, Ubigi |
| Airtel |
Major cities |
No |
GoMoWorld |
| Telma |
Major cities |
No |
Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Antananarivo: excellent 4G in the capital
- Avenue des Baobabs: limited coverage, network available in nearby villages
- Nosy Be: good 4G coverage in tourist areas
- Isalo: limited coverage in the national park, network available in surrounding villages
How to Install Your Madagascar eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Madagascar (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Madagascar eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Madagascar eSIM 2026"
countryCode="MG"
countrySlug="madagascar"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8",
highlight: "Global leader + Orange Madagascar network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$11",
highlight: "Airtel network",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$21",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$10",
highlight: "Orange Madagascar network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Orange Madagascar network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: Airtel network, code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users
- Saily: NordVPN included for secure public WiFi, code ESIMP (-5%)
- Ubigi: Orange Madagascar network, good urban alternative
Conclusion
Before buying an eSIM, check if your home plan includes Madagascar (rare).
If you opt for an eSIM: Airalo 5 GB at ~$8 with code ESIMP15 offers the best value on the Orange Madagascar network.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any overage stress.
Madagascar eSIM FAQ